204 Reinforced concrete design

Figure 8.19
Ribbed, waffle slab and hollow
block floors

(a) Section through a ribbed floor

I! I
-IE- - - - - - - - --
Supporting beam

I I Solid end section

E I I I I I I I I I I I I

~ I
01
I I I I I I I I I I I
.~ I I
~ I
VI
I I I I I I I I I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I I

I I I I I I I I I I

(b) P"rtial plan of and section through a waffle slab

(c) Section through a hollow block floor

abrupt change in cross-section extending across the slab. The slabs are usually made
solid under partitions and concentrated loads.
During construction the hollow tiles should be well soaked in water prior to placing
the concrete, otherwise shrinkage cracking of the top concrete flange is liable to occur.
The thickness of the concrete flange or topping should not be less than

1. 30 mm for slabs with permanent blocks which are capable of contributing to the
structural strength as specified in BS 8110, and where there is a clear distance
between ribs of not more than 500 mm
2. 25 mm when the blocks described in (l) are jointed with a cement-sand mortar
3. 40 mm or one-tenth of the clear distance between ribs, whichever is the greater, for
all other slabs with permanent blocks.
4. 50 mm or one-tenth of the clear distance between ribs, whichever is the greater, for
slabs without permanent blocks.

The rib width will be governed by cover, bar spacing and fire resistance (section 6.1).
 Design of reinforced concrete slabs 205

With in situ construction, the ribs should be spaced no further apart than 1.5 m and
their depth below the flange should not be greater than four times their width.
The shear stress is calculated as

where bw is the breadth of the rib. If hollow blocks are used this breadth may be
increased by the wall thickness of the block on one side of the rib. When v exceeds Ve
shear reinforcement is required, and v must be less than 0.8J.!cu and 5 N/mm2 .
Span-effective depth ratios are limited to the values for a flanged beam based on the
shorter span but the web width used in determining the ratio from table 6.6 may include
the thickness of the two adjacent block-walls.
At least 50 per cent of the total tensile reinforcement in the span should continue to
the supports and be anchored. In some instances the slabs are supported by steel beams
and are designed as simply supported even though the topping may be continuous.
Reinforcement should be provided over the supports to prevent cracking in these cases.
It is recommended that the area of this top steel should not be less than one-quarter of
the area of steel required in the middle of the span and it should extend at least 0.15 of
the clear span into the adjoining spans.
A light reinforcing mesh in the topping flange can give added strength and durability
to the slab, particularly if there are concentrated or moving loads, or if cracking due to
shrinkage or thermal movements is likely. An area of 0.12 per cent of the topping flange
is recommended.
Waffle slabs are designed as ribbed slabs and their design moments in each direction
are obtained from the moment coefficients which are tabulated in BS 8110 for two-way
spanning slabs.

EXAMPLE 8.8

Design of a ribbed floor

The ribbed floor is constructed with permanent fibreglass moulds; it is continuous over
several equal spans of 5.0 m. The characteristic material strengths are.!cu = 30 N/mm2
and h = 460 N/mm2 •
An effective section as shown in figure 8.20 is to be tried. The characteristic dead
load including self-weight and finishes is 4.5 kN/m 2 and the characteristic live load is
2.5 kN/m2 .
The calculations are for an interior span for which the moments and shears can be
determined by using the coefficients in table 8.1. Considering a 0.4 m width of floor as
supported by each rib

Ultimate load = 0.4(1.4gk + 1.6qk)

= 0.4(1.4 x 4.5 + 1.6 x 2.5)
= 4.12 kN/m

ultimate load on the span F = 4.12 x 5.0 = 20.6 kN

206 Reinforced concrete design

Figure 8.20 2 - T1 0 above each rib

Ribbed slab (examples 8.8 and
8.9)

:::::i. d = 160
. .-:::E~ f} = 200
~
~
, ::::::;-[d.--;:.==::::::;-ld~.;::::::::::::::;CJ-
125

Cross-section at mid-span

Bending
1. At mid-span: design as aT-section
M = 0.063FL = 0.063 x 20.6 x 5.0 = 6.49 kN m
M 6.49 x 106
bd2/cu 400 x 1602 X 30 = 0.021
From the lever-arm curve, figure 7.5, la = 0.95. Thus the neutral axis lies within the
flange and
M 6.49 x 106
As = - - - = - - - - - - - - -
0.95hz 0.95 x 460 x 0.95 x 160
= 98 mm2

Provide two no bars in the ribs, As = 157 mm2 .

2. At a support: design as a rectangular section for the solid slab
M = 0.063FL = 0.063 x 20.6 x 5.0 = 6.49 kN m as in 1
and
As = 98 mm2 as at mid-span
Provide two no bars in each 0.4 m width of slab, As = 157 mm2 •
3. At the section where the ribs terminate: this occurs 0.6 m from the centre line of the
support and the moment may be hogging so that the 125 mm ribs must provide the
concrete area required to develop the design moment. The maximum moment of
resistance of the concrete ribs is
Mu = O.l56/cubd2 = 0.156 x 30 x 125 X 1602 x 10-6
= 15.0 kN m

which must be greater than the moment at this section, therefore compression steel is
not required.

Span-effective depth ratio

At mid-span M/b~ = 6.49 x 106 = 0.63

400 x 1602
2 As.""! 2 98 2
and Is = -3h - - = -3 x 460 x 157 = 191 N/mm
[Link]
 Design of reinforced concrete slabs 207

From table 6.7, withls = 191 N/mm2, the modification factor = 1.98. For a T-section with
web width 0.31 x flange width the basic ratio is 20.8 from table 6.6.
span
limiting ffi. h = 20.8 x 1.98 = 41.2
e ectlve dept

actual span = 5000 = 313

effective depth 160 .

Thus d = 160 mm is adequate.

Shear
Maximum shear in the rib 0.6 m from the support centre line

= 0.5F - 0.6 x 4.12 = 0.5 x 20.6 - 2.5 = 7.8 kN

Therefore

V 7800 2
shear stress = bd = 125 x 160 = 0.39 N/mm
100A s = 100 x 157 = 0.79
bd 125 x 160

From table 5.1, vc = 0.79 N/mm 2; therefore the section is adequate in shear, and since
v < Vc no links are required provided that the bars in the ribs are securely located during
construction.

EXAMPLE 8.9

Design of a waffle slab

Design a waffle slab for an internal panel of a floor system, each panel spanning 6.0 m
in each direction. The characteristic material strengths are feu = 30 N/mm2 and
h = 460 Nlrnm2. The section as used in example 8.8, figure 8.20 is to be tried with
characteristic dead load including self-weight of 6.0 kN/m 2 and characteristic live load
of2.5 kN/m 2
Design ultimate load = (1.4gk + 1.6qk)
= (1.4 x 6.0) + (1.6 x 2.5) = 12.4 kN/m2
As the slab has the same span in each direction the moment coefficients, !3sx, are taken
from case I of table 3.14 ofBS 8110 with lx/ly = 1.0. Calculations are given for a single
0.4 m wide beam section and in both directions of span. Hence:

Bending
1. At mid-span: design as a T section.

Positive moment at mid-span = msx = !3sx n1x 2

= 0.024 x 12.4 x 62 = 10.72 kN mlm
Moment carried by each rib = 0.4 x 10.72 = 4.29 kN m
M 4.29 x 106
bd2jcu 400 x 1602 X 30 = 0.014
208 Reinforced concrete design

From the lever-ann curve, figure 7.5, fa = 0.95. Thus the neutral axis lies within the
flange and

A s_- ~ -_ 4.29 X 106 _

-
65
mm
2
0.95/yz 0.95 x 460 x 0.95 x 160

Provide two no bars in each rib at the bottom of the beam, As = 157 mm2 . Note that
although one no bar would be adequate, two have been provided to reduce the
service stress in the steel. This will lead to a higher modification factor in the span-
effective depth ratio calculations thus ensuring that the span-effective depth ratio of
the slab is kept within acceptable limits.
2. At a support: design as a rectangular section for the solid slab.
Negative moment at support msx = f3sxnfx 2 = 0.031 x 12.4 x 6 2
= 13.84 kN mlm
Moment carried by each 0.4 m width = 0.4 x 13.84 = 5.54 kN m
M 5.54 x 106
bd2!cu 400 x 1602 X 30 = 0.018
From the lever-ann curve, figure 7.5, fa = 0.95. Thus
M 5.54 X 106 2
As = --- = = 83 mm
0.95/yz 0.95 x 460 x 0.95 X 160
Provide two no bars in each 0.4 m width of slab, As = 157 mm2 •
3. At the section where the ribs tenninate: the maximum hogging moment of resistance
of the concrete ribs is 15.0 kN m, as in the previous example. This is greater than the
moment at this section, therefore compression steel is not required.

Span-effective depth ratio

. M 4.29 X 106
At mid-span bd2 = 400 X 1602 = 0.42 and
65
Is = -2/y -
A [Link] 2
- = - x 460 x - = 127 N/mm
2

3 [Link] 3 157
and from table 6.7 withIs = 127 Nlmm 2 , the modification factor = 2.00. For aT-section
with web width 0.31 x flange width the basic ratio is 20.8 from table 6.6

limiting ffi ~pand h = 20.8 x 2.0 = 41.6

e ectlve ept
span 6000
. depth = 160 = 37.5
actual e ffiectlve

Thus d = 160 mm is adequate.

Shear
From table 3.15 of BS 8110 the shear force coefficient for a continuous edge support is
0.33. Hence, for one rib, the shear at the support
Vsx = f3vxnfx x b = 0.33 x 12.4 x 6 x 0.4 = 9.82 kN
Maximum shear in the rib 0.6 m from the centre-line is
v = 9.82 - 0.6 x 12.4 x 0.4 = 6.8 kN
 Design of reinforced concrete slabs 209

Therefore
V 6800
shear stress = bd = 125 x 160 = 0.34
100A s = 100 x 157 = 0.79
bd 125 x 160
From table 5.1, I/c = 0.78 N/mm2 ; therefore the section is adequate in shear, and since
1/ < I/c no links are required provided that the bars in the ribs are securely located during

construction.

Reinforcement in the topping flange

Light reinforcing mesh should be provided in the top of the flange.
Area required = 0.12 x b x h/IOO = 0.12 x 1000 x 60/100 = 72 mm2/m
Provided D98 mesh (see table AS), As = 98 mm2/m.

8.9 Stair slabs

The usual form of stairs can be classified into two types: (I) those spanning horizontally
in the transverse direction, and (2) those spanning longitudinally.

8.9.1 Stairs spanning horizontally

Stairs of this type may be supported on both sides or they can be cantilevered from a
supporting wall.
Figure 8.21 shows a stair supported on one side by a wall and on the other by a
stringer beam. Each step is usually designed as having a breadth b and an effective
depth of d = D/2 as shown in the figure; a more rigorous analysis of the section is
rarely justified. Distribution steel in the longitudinal direction is placed above the main
reinforcement.
Details of a cantilevered stair are shown in figure 8.22. The effective depth of the
member is taken as the mean effective depth of the section and the main reinforcement
must be placed in the top of the stairs and anchored into the support. A light mesh of
reinforcement is placed in the bottom face to resist shrinkage cracking.

8.9.2 Stair slab spanning longitudinally

The stair slab may span into landings which span at right angles to the stairs as in
figure 8.23 or it may span between supporting beams as in figure 8.24 of the example.
The dead load is calculated along the slope length of the stairs but the live load is
based on the plan area. Loads common to two spans which intersect at right angles and
surround an open well may be assumed to be divided equally between the spans. The
effective span (I) is measured horizontally between the centres of the supports and the
thickness of the waist (h) is taken as the slab thickness. Span--effective depth ratios may
be increased by 15 per cent provided that the stair flight occupies at least 60 per cent of
the span.
210 Reinforced concrete design

Figure 8.21
Stairs spanning horizontally

Figure 8.22
Cantilever stairs
._._._._._.--'
-----_._----, Main
reinforcement

I
Section B· B

Stair slabs which are continuous and constructed monolithically with their supporting
slabs or beams can be designed for a bending moment of say Fill 0, where F is the total
ultimate load. But in many instances the stairs are precast or constructed after the main
structure, pockets with dowels being left in the supporting beams to receive the stairs,
and with no appreciable end restraint the design moment should be F118.
 Design of reinforced concrete slabs 211

Figure 8.23
Stairs spanning into landings

EXAMPLE 8.10
Design of a stair slab

The stairs are of the type shown in figure 8.24 spanning longitudinally and set into pockets
in the two supporting beams. The effective span is 3 m and the rise of the stairs is 1.5 m,
with 260 mm treads and 150 mm risers. The live load is 3.0 kN/m 2 and the .characteristic
material strengths are!cu = 30 N/mm 2 and /y = 250 N/mm 2 •
Try a 125 mm thick waist, effective depth, d = 90 mm.
Slope length of stairs = y'(3 2 + 1.5 2) = 3.35 m
Considering aIm width of stairs
weight of waist plus steps = (0.125 x 3.35 + 0.26 x 1.5/2)24
= 14.7 kN
Live load = 3.0 x 3 = 9.0 kN
Ultimate 10adF = 1.4 x 14.7 + 1.6 x 9.0 = 35.0 kN
With no effective end restraint
M = FI = 35.0 x 3.0
8 8
= 13.1 kN m
Check span to effective depth ratio:
M 13.1 x 106 _ 2
bd2 = 1000 X 902 - 1.6
for simply supported span, basic ratio from table 6.6 = 20 and modification factor from
table 6.7 for a service stress of 167 N/mm 2 is 1.58.
212 Reinforced concrete design

Figure 8.24
Stairs supported by beams

S an 3.0m

Since the stair flight occupies more than 60 per cent of the span, a further increase of
15 per cent is permitted, thus
· ..
1Imlttng f'" span
. d h = 20 x 1.5 8 x 1. 15 = 36.3
e lectlve ept
actlial ~pan = 3000 = 33.3
effecttve depth 90
M 13.1 X 106 = 0.0 4
hd'2!cu 1000 x 902 X 30 5
Therefore from the lever-arm curve of figure 7.5, fa = 0.93
M
As = .,......".-=--=-~
0.95/ylad
13.1 X 106
0.95 x 250 X 0.93 x 90
= 659 mm2 /m

Provide R12 bars at 150 mm centres, area 754 mm 2/m.

. .. 0.24hh 0.24 x 1000 x 125
Transverse dlstnbutlOn steel = 100 = 100

= 300 mm2 /m

Provide RIO bars at 250 mm centres, area =314 mm2/m.

Continuity bars at the top and bottom of the span should be provided and about 50 per
cent of the main steel would be reasonable, while satisfying maximum spacing limits of
3d = 270 mm.

8.10 Yield line and strip methods

For cases which are more complex as a result of shape, support conditions, the presence
of openings, or loading conditions it may be worth while adopting an ultimate analysis
method. The two principal approaches are the yield line method, which is particularly
suitable for slabs with a complex shape or concentrated loading, and the strip method
which is valuable where the slab contains openings.